Bath's cup defence opens with 50-28 thrashing by Sale

Sale Sharks routed defending Prem Rugby Cup holders Bath 50-28 at the CorpAcq Stadium on 6 September. Bath led 14-5 before Sale scored seven unanswered tries — Joe Carpenter's hat-trick the standout — to lead 50-14. Bath added two late consolation scores. Sale travel to Gloucester next; Bath wait until 6 November.